D’Angelo Russell apologizes for Nick Young video controversy

Get breaking news and SI’s biggest stories instantly. Download the new Sports Illustrated app (iOS or Android) and personalize your experience by following your favorite teams and SI writers.

Lakers rookie guard D’Angelo Russell apologized Wednesday for recording a video on his phone of teammate Nick Young that leaked last week. The controversial video includes Young discussing his relationships with women other than his fianceé, rapper Iggy Azalea.

“I am sick,” Russell first told the Vertical on Wednesday, prior to L.A.’s game against the Miami Heat. “I am sorry about recording the video. I can’t repeat myself enough on that: I am sorry I recorded that video. I feel horrible. I wish this never happened.”

“I feel as sick as possible,” he reiterated to reporters before the game. “I wish I could make things better right away, but I can’t.” Russell said he had “no clue” how the video leaked and became public, and that he has been trying to figure out how the video got out. He said that he never sent it to anyone, but balked at the notion he may have been hacked.

Young spoke to reporters prior to the game and issued only a statement to reporters. “I don’t want to get into my personal life right now. I think it’s best me and D’Angelo handle the situation we have in a private manner, outside of the media” he said. “I Think it’s something we do need to sit down and talk about, and that’s about it. What happened is what happened. We’ve got to work on it.” He did not indicate he had accepted an apology. A quickly-deleted tweet just before 9 p.m. ET seemed to indicate Young had not made amends with Russell, contrary to reports Wednesday afternoon.

​

Lakers players reportedly responded to the situation by ”isolating” Russell, and that at a recent meeting the players refused to sit at the same table with him, according to ESPN. When Russell tried to sit next to teammate Lou Williams in the locker room, Williams reportedly stood up and left.​

Head coach Byron Scott told reporters that he saw it as a “bump in the road,” and that he was disappointed the Lakers were unable to deal with the situation internally before the media caught wind of things.

More NBA

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.